This year's Labour Day celebrations in Windsor will focus on issues we have come to expect from the labour movement, and one more: climate change.
The issue has come home to roost for many across the region as record-high lake levels, combined with high winds have shut down marinas and flooded homes everywhere along the Lake St. Clair, Detroit River, and Lake Erie shorelines.
Related story: More flooding expected along devastated Erie Shore Drive (VIDEO)
Windsor and District Labour Council President Brian Hogan said while it may not be an issue one usually connects with the labour movement, it has been working to raise awareness. He called it a jobs concern as much as an environmental one.
"This bit about climate change going to affect our kids and grandkids; it's affecting us right now," said Hogan. "A green economy is needed for the world, but also there are job opportunities, and they are lost opportunities if people don't see that."
Labour Day Parade 2017, September 4, 2107. (Photo by Adelle Loiselle)
The theme of this year's parade is "A Fair Canada for Everyone," and Hogan told BlackburnNews.com that includes the long-discussed, but the never-adopted option of pharmacare.
"We're the only country in the world that has medicare but no pharmacare so, unfortunately, people who don't have the funds after they go to the doctor have to decide whether to throw their script away or decide not to eat," said Hogan.
As the crowds amass at the Fogolar Furlan Club, expect speakers to also address racism, equity, retirement security, and the lack of an auto policy in Canada.
This year, Labour Day falls exactly six weeks ahead of the federal election. The council has already endorsed the region's three NDP incumbents, Brian Masse in Windsor West, Tracey Ramsey in Essex, and Windsor-Tecumseh's Cheryl Hardcastle.
Hogan called the NDP the country's first green party.
Those participating in the parade are asked to gather at the Unifor Hall on Turner Road at 9 a.m. Monday. The parade will start at 10 a.m. travelling southbound up Walker Road to North Service Road. It should arrive at the Fogolar Furlan Club an hour later.
